PUTRAJAYA, Oct 3 — The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES) is enhancing flood warning sirens to reduce property damage and loss of life in preparation for the northeast monsoon 2024/2025, expected to start this November and continue until March 2025.
NRES secretary-general Datuk Ching Thoo Kim said the unexpected floods in late 2021 prompted the government to take immediate action, including upgrading the siren system.
“For instance, during the floods in Taman Sri Muda, Shah Alam, the sirens were not loud enough for people to hear. Many mistook them for fire or police sirens, resulting in delayed action.
“The Department of Irrigation and Drainage has now increased the volume of sirens and distinguished them from police and fire sirens by adding a voice message.
“When people hear this sound, they are urged to evacuate to safer locations,” he told the press after officiating at the National Climate Forum 2024, themed “Northeast Monsoon: Actions and Challenges on the Frontline,” today.
In his speech, Ching highlighted that in 2021 alone, floods displaced 400,000 people and resulted in RM1.3 billion in losses, or 0.4 per cent of the gross domestic product.
“By making adequate preparations during the northeast monsoon, we can reduce the impact of flood disasters and ensure there is no loss of lives or significant property damage,” he said.
Under the 12th Malaysia Plan, the government has allocated RM300 million to the National Disaster Management Agency for flood preparedness, along with an additional RM11.8 billion for flood mitigation projects.
In addition, Ching said as part of the Upgrade Project for Surface Weather Observation Stations, 100 conventional weather stations will be upgraded to advanced auxiliary automated meteorological stations.
“Implementing this project will enhance the capabilities of the existing weather network and improve continuous weather monitoring, current weather forecasting, and the timely dissemination of severe weather alerts to the public,” he said.
— Bernama
